HTC G2 removes jailbreak apps

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The HTC G2 Android device, sold through T-Mobile, has an anti-jailbreak functionality included in it, according to reports.

The phone automatically removes any changes made to the G2 by jailbreakers once the device has rebooted, meaning users will not be able to add their own or third-party applications that do not have approval.

Given the Android OS is known for its openness in that anyone can modify it, a number of users have raised concerns over the feature in the device.

While the phone is only available in the US, some are worried the technology used to remove unapproved apps will become a common feature of many devices.

"Adding a hardware capability to restore the phone to its original state could be something that occurs more often in the near future," said Dennis Fisher, writing on Kaspersky Lab's Threat Post service.

There are a number of theories on how hardware on the devices is capable of preventing unapproved apps and software from being uploaded.

Tech specialist and founder of People for Internet Responsibility, Lauren Weinstein, suggested “the HTC is using a firmware rewrite system to replace ‘/system’ mods with the ‘official’ firmware upon reboot.”

“It is too early in the hacking process for anyone to state definitively that this mechanism will not be defeated,” he added in his blog.

At the time of publication, HTC had not responded to a request for more information on the technology being used.

Apple cracked down on jailbreakers earlier this year when it closed vulnerabilities in its iOS to prevent the JailbreakMe app from working.

At the time, security experts warned the flaws could have allowed hackers to compromise iPhone devices as well as permit the use of non-approved services.

However, it is believed many iPhone users are still using jailbroken devices to upload unapproved apps.

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